System Idle Processes and PC performance

Question

Hi, what are System Idle Processes?  At times my laptop is very slow and when I check the task manager, the SIP's are running, using up to 100% of CPU.  All I have running are routine programs such as a word or card game and IE.  Just wondering if this is normal and if not, what can I do to resolve this.  Thanks, Lee H.

Answer 1

Hello retdmic

The System Idle Process is just that, an idle process. You can't stop it, you wouldn't want to or the system would freeze. The processor must be kept fed constantly with instructions. It's the OS's job is to keep the processor busy, in NT/2K, the System Idle Process does this.

It says 100% utilization, but it's not smoking your processor, it's really doing nothing and doesn't impact performance.

It lets you know how much space is NOT being used by other processes.

Here are some things which can help

1 In msconfig, disable everything not needed at start up.  It will also tell you if anything nasty is in there.

Start/Run and type in

msconfig

OK

Startup Tab

Keep the page open then go to link below.

http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Read the Key at top of page. Use the Search box to check all your entries

When you reboot you will get a message saying you have started in "Selective Startup"  Click "Don`t show this message again" then OK

2 Run scans to check for malware

Housecall    http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

SUPERAntiSpyware     http://www.superantispyware.com/

Download the free version

3  What do you have running all the time in the background?  If you use Automatic Updates it will slow down the system. Norton products will slow down the machine too.

4 Run CCleaner

http://www.ccleaner.com/

Do not use the registry cleaner.  Make sure to delete all temporary files

You should do this regularly

5.  Go to

IE/Tools/Internet Options/Advanced/Security

Put a check in "Empty temporary internet files folder when browser is closed"

6 Go to

Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/View

Uncheck "Automatically search for network folders and printers"

7. Defrag regularly

8. Uninstall any programs you don`t use/need

See if it is any faster after that.

Answer 2

So, there is nothing wrong with it. I have AVG and I analyzed my pc, and it did not detect anything. So I don't have malware, spyware, nothing than can ruin my pc performance. So basically, you are saying that having the system idle process running on the task manager is normal? I can do whatever I want on the pc, without having to worry about that thing?

Answer 3

"Idle" means "not doing anything."  When the "System Idle Process" is at 100%, that means nothing is using your CPU resources.

If your computer is "slow," you can open Task Manager, make sure that "Show processes from all users" is checked, and sort by CPU usage (click "CPU" in the header row).  Look for the tasks -- OTHER THAN System Idle Process -- that are taking the most resources.  Google the names or take a look here:  http://answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm (you don't need to download the software offered at this site; just use the site as a reference to identify tasks that you see in Task Manager).

AVG is not sufficient.

1  Download, install, update, and run a full scan with MalwareBytes AntiMalware (free).   Make sure to uncheck any option to install the ASK Toolbar or any other add-on, and don't bother with the trial of the Pro version. 

After the scan completes (which can take a half hour or more, depending on the size of your drives and the speed of your computer), let the program delete or quarantine what it finds.  You can uninstall MBAM at this point if you want.

2  Download, install, update, and run a full scan with SUPERAntiSpyware.  Don't install any optional add-ons offered.  After the scan completes, let the program delete or quarantine what it finds.  Uninstall SAS.

3.  Go to http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ and run the ESET Online Scanner.  After the scan completes, let the program delete or quarantine what it finds.